ARLINGTON, Texas — Spain are just one win away from lifting the FIFA World Cup after producing a commanding 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday’s semifinal, a performance so impressive that it earned a personal congratulatory call from King Felipe VI.
As celebrations erupted inside the Spanish dressing room, head coach Luis de la Fuente briefly stepped away to answer his phone. On the other end was Spain’s monarch, who had watched the match with his family while proudly wearing a Spain jersey.
“It’s such a source of pride that our king called us,” De la Fuente said afterward. “He shows such an interest, and he keeps supporting us.”
The royal praise reflected the mood across Spain, where millions celebrated a national team that has once again captured the country’s imagination.
Spain Deliver a Complete Performance
Against one of the tournament favorites, Spain produced arguably their finest display of the World Cup. Their relentless pressing, disciplined defending, slick passing and tactical intelligence left France with almost no room to breathe.
Goals in each half sealed a deserved victory, but it was the overall control of the match that truly stood out.
De la Fuente’s side has now gone 37 matches unbeaten, adding another remarkable milestone to a run that already includes the UEFA Euro 2024 title.
“We’re so proud of this,” De la Fuente said.
“We are responsible for the joy people are feeling in the streets. We are a country united for a common cause. Now we have one more step—the last one, and the toughest one.”
One Step Away From History
Spain will now travel to MetLife Stadium for Sunday’s World Cup final, where they will face either defending champions Argentina or England.
After six victories and just one draw against Cape Verde in the group stage, Spain have emerged as the tournament’s standout team. Even more impressive is their defensive record, conceding only one goal throughout the competition.
Forward Mikel Oyarzabal, who calmly converted a first-half penalty, admitted reaching the final feels almost surreal.
“You can’t even dream about these things—being in a World Cup final,” he said.
“There’s just one more step to go. We’re making history, and we want to take that final step.”
Clinical in Attack, Solid in Defence
Spain opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal won a penalty with another fearless attacking run. Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot.
The second goal arrived midway through the second half when Pedro Porro finished off a superb passing move involving Dani Olmo, putting Spain firmly in control.
France, who had entered the semifinal with 16 goals in six matches, never looked capable of mounting the kind of comeback they produced against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final.
French coach Didier Deschamps admitted Spain’s organization made life incredibly difficult.
“Spanish teams know how to defend and master their game very well,” Deschamps said.
“We need to accept this loss. Congratulations to Spain. This is what elite football is about.”
Mbappé and France Shut Down
Despite boasting attacking stars such as Kylian Mbappé and tournament assist leader Michael Olise, France struggled to create meaningful chances.
Spain’s compact defensive structure denied space between the lines and frustrated every French attack.
“They closed all the spaces,” Deschamps admitted.
De la Fuente credited years of football development across Spain for his team’s tactical maturity.
“We defended with discipline, organization, sacrifice and commitment,” he explained.
“What Spanish players do best is understand and read the game. That’s the result of the work done in our academies and by coaches throughout Spain.”
Yamal Continues to Shine
Fresh from celebrating his 19th birthday, Lamine Yamal once again demonstrated why he is considered one of football’s brightest young stars.
The Barcelona winger won the penalty that led to Spain’s opener, had a goal narrowly ruled out for offside, and repeatedly unsettled France with his pace, intelligence and creativity.
Yet De la Fuente insists Spain’s greatest strength lies not in one superstar but in the collective.
“This team is made up of outstanding individuals, but every player works for the benefit of the group,” he said.
“When you’re facing a team like us, we’re unbeatable. That’s how we’re feeling right now.”
France’s World Cup Journey Ends
The defeat ended France’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final and marked another emotional chapter for Didier Deschamps, who will step down after Saturday’s third-place playoff, ending a remarkable 14-year spell as national team coach.
The former World Cup-winning captain reflected proudly on his time in charge despite the disappointment.
“I am very proud of everything we’ve done with the national team,” Deschamps said.
“I’ve been fortunate to experience wonderful moments both as a player and as a coach. Today isn’t one of those moments, but we must accept it without forgetting everything we’ve achieved.”
Midfielder Rayan Cherki echoed the frustration inside the French camp.
“This was the game of our lives, and we lost,” he said.
“The disappointment is huge. We should have done better.”
A Team Ready for the Biggest Stage
Spain’s celebrations continued long after the final whistle, with confidence growing that this talented generation can bring home the nation’s second World Cup title.
For Pedro Porro, the achievement already feels extraordinary.
“I couldn’t even dream of this,” he said.
“I’m so happy because of the team’s attitude from beginning to end. We knew France were a very strong team, but this is our team.”
One victory now separates Spain from football immortality—and after dismantling France with authority, they head into the World Cup final looking every bit like champions.
